The island nation was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left a minimum of two fatalities and forced the evacuation of over a million residents.
Authorities stated that the powerful weather system caused widespread sudden floods, coastal inundation, mudslides, and destructive gale-force winds, prompting the evacuation of millions of people across the country.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Operations
In the town of Pandan, one of the worst-hit regions, emergency crews documented floodwaters reaching rooftop levels and residences washed out by strong flows.
Our team saved fourteen people who were trapped on the roof engulfed in flood in a low-lying neighbourhood,” a disaster-mitigation officer stated. “A father also called in panic, reporting his home’s roof was at risk of tearing away by the wind. We rescued him and four relatives.”
As of Monday morning, authorities announced at least two deaths: a drowning victim on the island and a second individual killed when her house collapsed in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Forecast
The super typhoon was downgraded to a severe tropical storm on Monday morning while moving over the Philippines’ largest island, home to the national capital.
According to meteorological authorities, its maximum winds dropped from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts were still reaching over 170 mph.
The storm system is expected to continue weakening as it moves in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The national disaster response service stated efforts were ongoing to evaluate destruction to infrastructure and homes.
Approximately 6,000 evacuation centres have been opened to accommodate tens of thousands of households.
Recent Context and Climate Impact
Fung-wong struck shortly following another severe storm, that claimed at least 224 people with another 135 missing before moving on to Vietnam, where it killed five.
Searches for the missing persons were halted recently due to safety concerns to emergency personnel.
The climate crisis is making tropical storms stronger and frequent. This typhoon marks the twenty-first storm to impact the nation in 2025.
Researchers report that the frequency of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has risen doubled in the past twenty years.
Global assessments indicate that intense storms result in an average of millions in dollars in damage for the Philippines every year.
The nation’s leader declared a state of emergency last week due to the extensive devastation from Kalmaegi and the expected damage from Fung-wong.
